“NEW BUSINESS: Hidden Treasures found on Church Street in Winchester”

NEW BUSINESS: Hidden Treasures found on Church Street in Winchester

Posted: 03 Jun 2010 02:39 PM PDT

If you happen to see someone walking down Church Street, Giorgio Armani suit in one hand, designer sunglasses in the other, and a huge gushing smile, chances are they just came from Hidden Treasures.

"It's exciting to see people come in and walk out with a bargain," said storeowner and 25-year Winchester resident Cheryl Chiuccariello. "They really get excited."

Located at 38 Church St. (formerly Curves), Hidden Treasures is a consignment shop filled with a selection of designer clothing, furniture, jewelry, shoes, accessories and even artwork.

"I try to take a little bit of everything so I can appeal to different ages."

Chiuccariello, who works in real estate and formerly owned Amici's Restaurant in Billerica with her husband, said she got the idea for the store after she read about a boon in consignment stores around the country.

"In this economy, there are definitely a lot of people looking for bargains," she said. "I was always the consummate shopper, and I love the fashion end of it."

Chiuccariello said she read that there are 20,000 consignment shops in the nation, however noticed there didn't seem to be any high-end consignment shops in the area.

"There didn't seem to be a lot around here, so I thought it was a chance to do something different."

Chiuccariello opened up shop in October, and said her store is a nice fit for Winchester in that she specializes in high quality merchandise.

"I serve the high end — a lot of Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Manolo Blahnik," she said. "It's definitely a very eclectic selection."

Deals available as of last week included a $1,5000 Giorgio Armani suit (pants and jacket) for $320, a $1,000Ferragamo bag for $200,a $2,000 Escada leather jacket for $170 and $400 pairs of never-been-worn Bettye Muller shoes for $198.

Chiuccariello said business has been picking up of late, as more and more people hear about the deals to be had.

"I'm trying to attract younger kids as well," said Chiuccariello, adding that daughter Michaela, a Winchester High School student, frequents the store with her friends.

"Now I have some high-schoolers who are bringing things in."

"She's really got a nice selection of designer names people are familiar with," said Lori Fermano, who works at another nearby business. "If I'm looking for something special, she has some wonderful things."

Fermano said Chiuccariello is also good at finding outfits or accessories to suit individual customers' tastes.

"She's a great people person."

Chiuccariello, who frequents other consignment stores and shows looking for great deals, encouraged those looking for something specific to give her a "wish list" and she'll see keep her eye out.

"I always get excited when I find something I know they'll like."

The Owner